Dr. Stanley B. Burns is a New York City-based ophthalmologist and a prominent figure in the field of medical history and photography. He founded the Burns Archive in 1977, which has grown into one of the world's largest private collections of early medical photography, housing over one million images. Dr. Burns serves as a Research Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry and is a Professor of Medical Humanities at New York University. His work focuses on documenting 'the darker side of life,' including post-mortem photography, crime scenes, and historical medical practices. He has authored over 40 books and published numerous articles in medical journals, often providing expert consultation for film and television productions to ensure historical accuracy.[1,2,3]
Sleeping Beauty: Memorial Photography in America1990 · Twelvetrees Press · book · EnglishISBN 942642325Landmark publication on post-mortem photography.
Sleeping Beauty II: Grief, Bereavement and the Family in Memorial Photography. American & European Traditions2002 · Burns Archive Press · book · EnglishCo-authored with Elizabeth A. Burns.
Forgotten Marriage: The Painted Tintype & The Decorative Frame, 1860–1910, A Lost Chapter in American Portraiture1995 · book · EnglishPublication on early portraiture.
Stiffs, Skulls, & Skeletons: Medical Photography and Symbolism2014 · Schiffer Publishing · book · EnglishCo-authored with Elizabeth A. Burns.
Awards
American Photographic Historical Society's award for the best publication of their kindAmerican Photographic Historical Society
References
Wikipedia: Burns Archive; Medal Alumni Profile (Upstate Medical Alumni Foundation); Amazon Author Page. link
The Burns Archive Official Website - About Page. link
